3 Ways Homeschooling Parents Can Reduce Their Energy Costs

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Homeschooling your child is not easy, as you have to take on the dual role of parent and teacher. You also have to find a way to transform your home into a suitable work environment. Unfortunately, this can take a big toll on your monthly utility bill. Reduce your energy costs by taking these creative approaches to homeschooling.

Go on More Field Trips

What's the best way to reduce energy costs at home? Don't be at home! Whenever possible, take your kids on a field trip to help them learn more about the world around them. For example, you might take them to your state capitol building as a lesson on local government. Zoos, museums, and even cemeteries are all good ways to learn on the fly.
If you don't have the funds to take your child to these various locations, don't fret, as not every field trip needs to be educational. Even a trip to the local library or a cafe can be great for studying when you don't want to waste energy during the day.

Maintain Your HVAC System

Studies show that students learn better when the temperature is more comfortable. One Loyola University research group gave students a test in three different temperatures: 64, 72, and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Unsurprisingly, the students in the hot and cold groups did not fare as well as the students in the 72-degree group.

What this study reveals is that you need to have the temperature comfortable in your home if you want your kids to learn at their maximum capacity. Unfortunately, this can really wreck your energy bills, as heating and cooling is one of the biggest electrical draws.

There are plenty of ways to reduce the time your HVAC system is running , such as adjusting the temperature by seven to 10 degrees when no one is home or by using ceiling fans to circulate air. The most important tip is to schedule regular maintenance for your HVAC system to ensure it's running as efficiently as possible.

Choose Energy-efficient Computers

Computers are your kids' lifeline to the classroom, so you always need to choose a model based on performance first. However, energy efficiency should also be a top priority, as computers that use less electricity will save you big in the long run. Always look for computers that have an ENERGY STAR label , as these can provide 30 to 65 percent savings compared to older, less efficient models.

Simply choosing an energy efficient computer isn't enough. You also need to make sure your kids have good efficiency habits, such as turning off the monitor if they're stepping away for a few minutes or turning off the unit altogether when they're done for the day. Even using sleep mode can save you up to $30 a year on your electricity bill.

Reducing your energy costs while homeschooling is a great way to teach your kids responsible energy habits. While this lesson might not be part of their curriculum, it's a smart idea that will benefit both you and them for years to come.(*Partner post)